GAZEUSE!

I have the original U.S. vinyl pressing of this album entitled "Expresso." The entuty Gong had certainly changed by the time that this album came out. Daevid Allen, Gilli Smythe, and Steve Hillage (among others) had all left Gong because of the direction the band was heading in. On the previous album, "Shamal," the changes were definitle evident, but it wasn't until this album that the new and jazzier side Gong came through under the direction of the late, great Pierre Moerlen. Anyway, on to the review.

The track, "Expresso," starts out the album on a high note. The main theme is set and everything is based off of it. This theme is certainly catchy and will stay in your head for a long time. Next comes "Night Illusion," a Holdsworth tune. Holdsworth sets the mood on this one with his magnificent electric guitar playing. "Percolations (Pts. 1 and 2)" round off the first side of the album. The highlight of this track is Pierre Moerlen's wonderful solo at the end of the piece.

Side two starts out with "Shadows Of (Pts. 1 and 2), " another Holdsworth tune. Again, Holdsworth shines on this one, along with the percussionists. The next track, "Esnuria," is a good piece, but not the album's best. The album ends with "Mireille", whixh I'm guessing is a homage of sorts to Mireille Bauer, who played percussion on the album. Many think that this piece seems out of place on the album, but I disagree. I like the incorporation of the keyboards by Moze. It's a great way to finish off this excellent album.

Overall, this album can be seen as a true turning point for Gong. If you enjoy mallet-induced fusion with outstanding woodwind parts by Didier Malherebe and Holdsworthian guitar you probably would want to check this album out. Both Holdsworth and Malherbe contribute greatly on this album. Holdsworth also gets more say in writing and composing on this, which is why I think it is better than its successor, "Expresso II." My final verdict is four stars; if you know what to expect, you will most likely enjoy it.